Snorkel Tour With the Manatee on Kings Bay, Crystal River

Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Crystal River, the Snorkel Tour with the Manatee on Kings Bay offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Donning 5mm wetsuits and snorkel gear, guests embark on an immersive journey, guided by experienced professionals who ensure a safe and memorable experience. From the crystal-clear waters to the complimentary refreshments, every aspect of the tour is designed to provide a truly remarkable encounter with the manatees. But the real magic lies in the moment when you find yourself face-to-face with these captivating creatures, as they gracefully glide through the bay, leaving an indelible impression that will long outlive the tour itself.

Key Points

• The Snorkel Tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter Florida manatees in their natural habitat on the crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay.
• The tour includes the use of 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, allowing guests to fully enjoy the experience.
• The tour is led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, ensuring a safe and informative experience.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water, as well as towel service, for added comfort and convenience.
• The tour has received a 4.5-star rating out of 5 based on 21 reviews, with guests highlighting the great guides, fun experience, and abundant sightings of manatees.

Overview of the Snorkel Tour

The snorkel tour on Kings Bay, Crystal River offers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter the iconic Florida manatee in its natural habitat. Rated with a Badge of Excellence, this 21-review tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Guests will be outfitted with 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, allowing them to fully enjoy the crystal clear waters and observe these gentle giants up close. Led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, the tour provides complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water to keep explorers refreshed.

With a maximum group size of 11, the snorkel experience ensures an intimate and personalized adventure amidst the natural wonder of Kings Bay.

What’s Included in the Tour

The snorkel tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as the use of full 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. Towel service and complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water are also provided to keep guests refreshed throughout the experience. Travelers will be led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, ensuring a safe and informative adventure.

What’s Included	What’s Not Included
Taxes and Fees	Swimsuit
Wetsuit, Mask, Snorkel	DVD/Flash Drive ($40)
Towel Service	Gratuities

The tour provides everything guests need for a memorable snorkeling experience with the manatees in Crystal River.

Logistics and Meeting Point

Customers may walk from the Plantation on Crystal River to the meeting point located at 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA, where the activity takes place.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, though gratuities aren’t included.

The tour takes place on the property at the Plantation on Crystal River, and you will return to the meeting point once the activity ends.

The snorkel tour offers a convenient location, making it easy for guests to arrive and depart. Whether they choose to walk or utilize the hotel pickup, customers will find the logistics straightforward and the meeting point accessible, ensuring a smooth start and finish to their manatee snorkeling adventure.

Policies and Requirements

This tour requires a moderate physical fitness level, as participants must be able to comfortably enter and exit the water.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 6 years old.

Wetsuits are available in sizes ranging from children’s 6 up to 3XL, ensuring a comfortable fit for all guests.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 11 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience.

Service animals are allowed, though the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, so guests can plan their visit with confidence.

The policies and requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants on this unique snorkel tour with the manatees in Crystal River.

Tour Duration and Schedule

The snorkel tour typically wraps up within 2-3 hours, providing ample time for guests to enjoy the natural wonders of Kings Bay and observe the captivating manatees.

The experience begins with a relaxing hotel pickup, followed by a short drive to the meeting point at the Plantation on Crystal River.

Once there, guests will be outfitted with full 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels before embarking on their aquatic adventure.

The tour is led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

With the tour ending back at the meeting point, guests can then enjoy complimentary refreshments and reflect on their remarkable encounter with the gentle giants of Kings Bay.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the snorkel tour, awarding it a remarkable 4.5-star rating out of 5 based on 21 insightful reviews. Guests highlight the tour’s "great guides" and "fun experience," with many noting they were able to spot manatees during their adventure. The tour’s high ratings demonstrate its ability to consistently deliver an exceptional experience. To further emphasize the tour’s positive reception, consider the following breakdown of review highlights:

Review Highlight	Number of Mentions
Great Guides	12
Fun Experience	15
Saw Manatees	17
Overall Satisfaction	19

The snorkel tour’s impressive reviews and ratings make it a must-try activity for those visiting Crystal River.

Highlights of the Experience

A quintessential highlight of the snorkel tour is the opportunity to witness the graceful movements of manatees in their natural habitat within the crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay.

Guests consistently remark on the awe-inspiring experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants, often describing it as the pinnacle of their visit to Crystal River.

The tour guides, who are US Coast Guard certified and professionally insured, provide expert interpretation and ensure a safe and memorable encounter.

Outfitting guests in full 5mm wetsuits, masks and snorkels, they expertly lead the group through the bay, pointing out manatees and sharing fascinating insights about the unique ecosystem.

From sipping complimentary hot beverages to relishing the towel service, every aspect of the tour is designed to maximize comfort and convenience.

Key Information for Customers

Customers can enjoy a hassle-free experience with the tour’s comprehensive inclusions, such as the use of full 5mm wetsuits, masks and snorkels, as well as towel service and complimentary hot beverages. The tour is led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. The meeting point is located on the property of the Plantation on Crystal River, and hotel pickup and drop-off are available, though customers may choose to walk from the hotel.

Included	Not Included	Additional
All taxes and fees	Swimsuit	Confirmation at booking
Wetsuits, mask, snorkel	DVD/Flash Drive ($40)	Service animals allowed
Towel service		Moderate fitness required
Hot beverages		Not wheelchair accessible
US Coast Guard captain		Children must be accompanied

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. However, the tour provides full 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels for all participants, so it may be more convenient to use the equipment they provide.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Participants can bring their own cameras and video equipment to capture the snorkel tour. However, the tour operator doesn’t include any photos or videos in the tour package, which can be purchased separately for $40.

Is the Water Temperature Comfortable for Snorkeling?

The water temperature is typically comfortable for snorkeling, as the tour provider supplies 5mm wetsuits to help keep swimmers warm in the 72-74°F waters of Kings Bay. The wetsuits ensure a pleasant snorkeling experience throughout the tour.

Can I Pet or Interact With the Manatees?

Visitors cannot directly interact with or pet the manatees during the snorkel tour. While close encounters are possible, the guides enforce strict rules to protect the endangered manatees and ensure a safe, responsible experience for all.

Are There Any Additional Options or Add-Ons Available?

The tour offers several add-ons, including a DVD or flash drive recording of the experience for $40. Customers can also purchase souvenirs and view manatee photos at the tour’s starting point located on the Plantation on Crystal River property.

Recap

The Snorkel Tour with the Manatee on Kings Bay in Crystal River, Florida offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in the tranquil habitat of the gentle manatees.

With professional guides, quality equipment, and rave reviews, this tour provides a uniquely memorable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with these captivating marine mammals in their natural environment.